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Key characteristics

Family: Asparagaceae
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Width: 3 to 5 feet
Flower color: Creamy white
Foliage color: Lance-shaped leaves with bold stripes of deep red edged with vibrant pink
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; remove dead leaves to maintain appearance
Growing zone: USDA zones 8 to 11
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers may attract pollinators

Perennials

Cordyline australis 'Salsa'

Salsa Giant Dracaena

Cordyline australis 'Salsa' is an evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, known for its vibrant, variegated foliage. The plant features narrow, arching, sword-like leaves that emerge in bright pink and red hues, deepening to rich shades as they mature. In late spring, 'Salsa' produces dense clusters of small, fragrant creamy-white flowers, enhancing its ornamental appeal.

This cultivar is distinguished by its upright, clump-forming habit and colorful, weeping foliage.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle

Design tip

The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)